His Body! (part 2 of 2)

Without the head, the body is incomplete. The church trying to function without remaining faithfully connected to Jesus (its Head) would end up being not much different than the many social groupings of the world.

Again, noting yesterday's text. . .
"(22) And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church, (23) which is HIS BODY, THE FULLNESS OF HIM WHO FILLS ALL IN ALL." ( Ephesians 1:22-23 ESV)

The Greek translated "fullness" is "pleroma" which initially was a reference to being like a ship filled with sailors, rowers, soldiers, freight, and merchandise. Each of these groupings of individuals provided for the complete function of the ship. The sailors monitored and cared for the ships operations under the direction of the captain, the rowers provided the power for moving the vessel, and the soldiers safeguarded the ship and its cargo. The freight and merchandise related to the purpose and destination of the vessel. Therein we find the "FULLNESS" of the picture of a ship's functioning according to its designed purpose.

Under the Headship of Christ, the church possess HIS FULLNESS as we function according to His purposes and design. There are varying roles we as members of His Body may fulfill, but each one is significant. We also must be mindful as we unite together in His work (not merely our own) that we have been entrusted with some precious cargo. God's design through the Lord's Body (His church) is for the manifold wisdom of God to be made known. ( Ephesians 3:10) We have been entrusted with the Gospel message of salvation in Christ. His mercy and grace which we have received from Him are to be extended to others as we go about our daily lives. The essence of Jesus is also to be seen in our life because we are His Body living and serving under His direction. Apart from Him we cannot have the "FULLNESS OF HIM". He Who "fills all in all" has filled His Body with His presence, power, and "every spiritual blessing" ( Ephesians 1:3) that is ours in Christ. This is to be the reality as we labor together in HIS wondrous work of redemption and the saving of lost souls.

May we each, like Paul, sincerely declare, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but CHRIST WHO LIVES IN ME. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." ( Galatians 2:20 ESV)

Have a great day FILLED WITH HIS LIFE!
Carl

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